Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has charged muslims in the country to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for God’s intervention in the myriad of challenges currently facing Nigeria.
The governor congratulated them on the commencement of Ramadan fast, describing it as a period for sober reflection and introspection.
In a Ramadan message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, Ayade called for a peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians deviod of ethno-religious wranglings, saying God has a reason for bringing together peoples of diverse culture and religion to form a country.
“The month of Ramadan is sacred and holy. It is also a month of sober reflection and introspection. I therefore, call on the muslim ummah to use this holy month to seek God’s intervention in the myriad of challenges facing our country. God did not make a mistake bringing peoples of diverse culture and religion to form a country. He has a reason for it”, the Cross River state governor said in the statement.
He thanked the muslim community in the state for its unflinching support to his administration, stating that he was looking forward to breaking fast with them someday.
“In Cross River State, I am looking forward to a day during the fasting period when I will sit down and break the fast (Iftar) with the Muslim Community Leaders who have contributed immensely to the social, political and economic development of our dear state.
“Cross River State is an example of a state where there is cohabitation among diverse people- religion, ethnic and tribes.
“There are over 20 Muslims holding important political positions in our government. This goes to show that in Cross River, competence is placed above primordial, ethnic and religious sentiments,” said the governor.
He wished the Muslim Community a successful Ramadan, praying that the holy month “brings peace and development to Nigeria, starting from Cross River State.”